TRAVELING WITH FIREARMS Airline restrictions

DELTA Delta Airlines spokesperson Cindi Kurczewski said regulations for traveling with a firearm haven't changed since Sept.11. "Although our regulations for traveling with a firearm haven't changed, we want to remind everyone traveling this hunting season of the constantly changing security regulations of the airlines," she said. According to information provided at www.delta.com, when checking a weapon, you must: UDeclare to the airline representative that you are checking a weapon. (If there is a security checkpoint before the Delta ticket counter, you must declare the existence of a weapon to security personnel); UPresent firearms unloaded and sign a "Firearms Unloaded" declaration; ULock the weapon in a hard-sided, crush-proof container and retain the key or combination; UMaintain entry permits in your possession for the country or countries of destination or transit. Ensure small arms ammunition is packed separate from the firearm in the manufacturer's original package, or is securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes. Other items to remember: UFirearms transported to the United Kingdom as checked baggage require a permit from the UK. The passenger must contact the United Kingdom before travel for more information regarding this permit. U11 pounds of ammunition (10 lbs. maximum on Delta's Connection Carrier SkyWest) is allowed on Delta flights, but must be packed separately from your firearm(s). UAmmunition in excess of 11 lbs. per passenger or that contains incendiary projectiles is prohibited. UYou may purchase a hard-sided case (12" x 52" x 4 1/2") with suitcase-type lock (capable of holding two rifles with scopes) for $75 plus local tax at most Delta airport ticket counters. UOne item of shooting equipment is accepted as part of a customer's free checked baggage allowance. For each item listed, one item of shooting equipment is defined as one or a combination of the following: One rifle case containing two or fewer rifles (with or without scopes), one shooting mat, noise suppresser, one small pistol tool kit. Cases containing more than two rifles will be assessed an excess baggage charge including one shotgun case containing two or fewer shotguns. Cases containing more than two shotguns will be assessed an excess baggage charge. One pistol case containing: two or fewer pistols, pistol telescopes, noise suppressers, a small pistol tool case; cases containing more than two pistols will be assessed an excess baggage charge. UNITED Federal regulations require that firearms in checked baggage or in their own shipping case be unloaded and declared. Firearms are not allowed in carry-on bags. Firearms in checked baggage must be packed in a hard-sided bag or gun case. A maximum of 11 lbs. of small arms ammunition is allowed in checked luggage and must be packed separately from the firearm in the original manufacturer's box or securely packed in a fiber, wood, or metal box to prevent movement of cartridges. For more information check www.ual.com. USAIR In accordance with Federal law, a customer who presents baggage containing a firearm must sign a declaration that the firearm is unloaded and placed in a suitable container before such baggage will be checked. Ammunition must be securely packed in durable fiber, wood or metal boxes or in the manufacturer's original package. Additional restrictions may apply for international travel. For more information check www.usairways.com CONTINENTAL The following are firearms restrictions: Curbside check-in of a firearm is not permitted. Customer must demonstrate in an isolated area that the firearm is unloaded. (Note: Continental employees will not physically handle any firearm during the inspection. After inspection has been completed, the customer must sign a Firearm Declaration Tag. The firearm must be packaged in a hard-sided container capable of being locked. The container must be locked and the key or combination must remain in the customer's possession. The firearm will be transported in a section of the aircraft that is inaccessible to the customer. Proof of registration is not required. Firearms carried in addition to the free baggage allowance will be assessed at the current excess baggage charge. For domestic travel, no more than 11 lbs. of ammunition may be carried. The ammunition may be packed in the same container as the firearm or in a separate container. TWA All firearms must be unloaded and packed in a hard-sided, locked container specifically designed for travel on an airplane. Handguns or small firearms without a hard case may only be checked if in a hard-sided suitcase. Luggage must be locked with a key or lock combination that is in the possession of the passenger. Firearms and ammunition may be contained in the same bag provided the ammunition is packaged either in the original carton or a container specifically designed to protect the ammunition against shock and secure it against movement. Passengers are required to provide advanced notice of intention to carry ammunition as checked baggage. The maximum gross weight of the ammunition and the container must not exceed 11 lbs. per passenger. Each passenger is to check his own allowance. TWA will not interline firearms or ammunition. If travel plans require travel on another air carrier, you must claim your firearm and ammunition before transferring to the next air carrier. AMERICAN Firearms and ammunition may not be carried by a passenger on an aircraft. However, unloaded firearms may be transported in checked baggage if declared to the agent at check in and packed in a suitable container. Handguns must be in a locked container. Boxed small arms ammunition for personal use may be transported in checked luggage.